Engine Recognition Poll (auto, spark plugs, exhaust, Chevy)

[adjusterjack]

This poll is addressed to people who know absolutely nothing about the mechanical workings of an automobile.

Question: Can you tell the difference between an in-line 6 cylinder engine and a V-8 engine just by looking under the hood?

I hope knowledgeable people will refrain from answering so I can get pure results from the question.

Thank you.

[Coldjensens]

Oops. Probably should put that in the pool. It appears above the post, so you answer the poll before reading the comments on it. At least I always do.

[Retired in Illinois]

Originally Posted by adjusterjack

This poll is addressed to people who know absolutely nothing about the mechanical workings of an automobile.

Question: Can you tell the difference between an in-line 6 cylinder engine and a V-8 engine just by looking under the hood?

I hope knowledgeable people will refrain from answering so I can get pure results from the question.

Thank you.

Yes, I can. However, the non-automotive types can always look in their cars owners manual to determine engine type.

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by Retired in Illinois

Yes, I can. However, the non-automotive types can always look in their cars owners manual to determine engine type.

The window sticker would be the better place to look. The owners manual is usually a generic one that covers all models and every engine option available, they aren't different depending on which engine you have.

[Hemlock140]

I won't vote in the poll since I have done auto repairs and maintenance for many years, but I must say that these days, the modern engine almost always has a plastic cover over it that makes it a lot harder to identify, especially if the spark plugs and coil packs are buried.

[engineman]

Can you tell a V8 from a V12?

[easy62]

Can you tell a wankel from a V6? And what about a chevy or Volvo 5 cylinder. Or a Geo 3 cylinder.

[GeoffD]

There's usually a huge plastic shield over everything where you have no shot at seeing much. Could I tell in 1972? You bet. You can see the intake & exhaust manifolds, plugs, wires, and distributor on a car that old. In 2017? Probably not without disassembling a few things on an awful lot of cars. I'm happy if I can find the dipstick. I have to watch the YouTube clip to figure out how to change the air filter.